FORT MYERS, Fla.- On paper, it was a lopsided matchup, history rich Chipola, coming into Suncoast Credit Union Arena ranked #4 in the country and off of another trip deep into the NJCAA National Tournament, against Florida SouthWestern, just three games into their sophomore year of existence in 2017. That brings us to today's look back at 'This Date in FSW Athletics History' when the Buccaneers Women's Basketball team stunned the 4th ranked Indians 72-69 three years ago.
Chipola came out hot against the Bucs as expected, taking a 23-18 lead after one quarter of action. The Bucs dug their heels in on defense in the second quarter though and limited the Indians to just 11 points and three field goals as they cut the Chipola lead to just one at the break at 34-33. Whatever Coach Kristie Ward said in the locker room at the half worked as the Bucs grabbed a lead early in the third quarter and then held on to shock the Indians 72-69 at the final horn.
Current FSW Assistant Coach and then, star guard LaToya Ashman led the Bucs with 22 points while Erna Normil notched her first double-double of the season for the Purple and Aqua with 15 points and 11 rebounds. The Bucs held Chipola to just 31% shooting in the game and bullied them on the boards, outrebounding the Indians 48-30 in the win.
The Bucs went on to win their first of three Suncoast Conference Championships later in the season, putting together a 26-6 record overall and an 8-1 mark in conference play.
Stay tuned FSWBucs.com and @FSWBucs on social media tomorrow as we continue our trips back in time to relive some of the top moments in FSW Athletics history.